Q&A for How to Write a Follow Up Email for a Job Application

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How do you politely ask for a status update?

Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
Life & Career Coach
Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University.

Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM

Life & Career Coach

Expert Answer

Peoples' lives can get busy, so try calling or emailing the hiring manager to ask about your application. Sometimes, they just need a reminder and will reach out again.

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Question

To whom do I address a follow-up email if I don't have the name of the hiring manager?

Community Answer

"Dear Hiring Manager" is how you address the hiring manager. Be sure, though, that you are indeed emailing the hiring manager.

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If I have a general HR department email, how can I know that I'm indeed emailing the hiring manager? Is "To whom it may concern" a reasonable substitute?

Community Answer

It would be better saying "Dear HR representative" instead. "To whom it may concern" is a very broad, generic and old-fashioned statement that I would avoid.

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Do I need to write my name and email address in the email text?

Community Answer

While including your name in the email text is common (usually you will sign it: "Sincerely, Name") you don't need to include your email address, as it will be easily available to them.

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Question

How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

So, there isn't a super clear-cut answer. You're probably dying waiting to hear back about your application, but if you're too pushy, it could jeopardize your chances of landing the job. There are mixed reports about how long you should wait to follow up on a job application, but the general consensus is that you should wait at least 3 to 5 days. However, some hiring managers may not want to receive any emails at all, so check the job application description to see if they specifically request that you don't reach out for a status. But generally, a short, direct email emphasizing how excited you are about potentially working for the company and asking them to let you know when they've made their decision can be an appropriate, professional way to follow up on your application.

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What do you say when following up on a job application?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Start by clearly stating the position you applied for and when you submitted your application so it's clear from the beginning of your email. You can also add that you wanted to make sure that they received everything they need from you. Then, you can reinforce how excited and qualified you are for the position. Something along the lines of, "I've loved working in this industry for the past 5 years and I'm excited about the possibility of working for your company." Then, you can end by asking them to contact you if they have any questions or need anything, which can nudge them to respond to you. After you send a follow-up email, it's time to hang tight and patiently wait for a response.

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